Watch live: SpaceX’s Block 5 rocket to make second launch attempt

11 May 2018

May 11 (UPI) — After its originally scheduled launch was abandoned during the final minute of countdown, SpaceX’s Block 5 rocket, the final iteration of the Falcon 9, will make another launch attempt on Friday.

The rocket is scheduled to blast-off from Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 4:14 p.m. ET on Friday.

The updated rocket model, upgraded to enhance reusability, will carry Bangabandhu Satellite-1 into geostationary orbit. It will be the first Bangladeshi communications satellite put into space.

However, statements from SpaceX suggested the problem was with ground support systems, not the rocket itself.

“Standing down today due to a standard ground system auto abort at T-1 min,” SpaceX announced on Twitter. “Rocket and payload are in good health — teams are working towards tomorrow’s backup launch opportunity.”

Once again, SpaceX will live stream the Block 5 launch.

In a call with reporters on Thursday, SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk outlined high hopes for Block 5, which he said will be the final version of the Falcon 9.

By the end of the year, Musk aims to fly two missions with the same rocket in the span of 24 hours. He likened the rocket’s reusability to an airplane — capable of landing, refueling and flying again on a quick turnaround.

“We expect it to be a mainstay of SpaceX’s business,” Musk said, “and to complete something of the order of 300 flights before retirement.”